(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
John writes to us. He is as happy as a person who has just won the mega lottery jackpot worth millions of dollars. He wants us to share his joy. He has not, however, won a lottery, but he has been in contact with the Word of God and the life that Word gives us.
Remember, “in the beginning.” This is how the Bible starts out. This is how the Gospel according to John starts out. This is how this letter of John start out.
Somehow, John is convinced, we have heard and seen and watched and even touched this Word of life. John says that he has seen this Word of life, and it is life without end, life full of happiness. He enjoys this life. He writes to us to that we can share this eternal life with all its happiness.
Saturday, the day we call Christmas, we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. This reading from the first letter of John reminds us that this Jesus is the true Word of God and the true giver of the eternal life filled with happiness. We can say that John wants us to share the joy of Christmas, and that we can only fully enjoy it if we see it as a celebration of the Word of Life, made visible and present to us.
I have not won the lottery myself. I have met, however, this Word of life and, therefore, I must share this good news so that you can share my joy and carry that same joy to others. This is why we have missionary work, so that others may learn about this Word of Life and have more joy because of their faith in Jesus Christ.